Rain chances return to the commonwealth into Thursday

It’s been a spectacular stretch of weather across Central and Eastern Kentucky, and Wednesday was no exception. With abundant sunshine and a strong southwest wind ahead of an approaching cold front, afternoon highs soared into the upper 60s and even low to mid-70s in some spots—offering yet another taste of spring. However, changes are on the horizon as we close out February, with rain chances returning and cooler air settling in for the end of the week.

A cold front will push through the region on Thursday, bringing scattered showers and breezy conditions. While the morning commute could be damp, we’re not expecting an all-day washout. Instead, rain will be more hit-or-miss, with the front itself sparking some showers early in the day and a lingering upper-level disturbance helping to keep rain chances around into the afternoon. It won’t be a major cooldown behind the front but you will notice a difference with highs only reaching the low to mid-50s. Winds will also shift out of the west and northwest, gusting over 20 mph at times reinforcing the cooler air.

By Friday, we dry out once again and wrap up February on a pleasant but breezy note. Winds will swing back around to the southwest helping to boost temperatures back into the mid-50s. It will be another windy day with gusts over 30 mph possible so be prepared for a blustery end to the workweek. Looking ahead to the weekend, March will start on a cooler note as another front drops in from the northwest. This one doesn’t bring much moisture meaning dry conditions should prevail, but it will reinforce the chillier air. Highs on Saturday will likely struggle to reach the upper 40s, especially if the front moves through earlier in the day leading to falling temperatures into the afternoon.

Sunday will be the coldest day of the stretch, with highs only in the lower 40s despite plenty of sunshine. The roller coaster of temperatures continues into next week, with a gradual warm-up returning by Monday as highs climb back into the upper 40s to near 50 degrees. Beyond that, attention turns to the middle of the week, where a more significant storm system could impact the region. While details remain uncertain, early indications suggest that a strengthening low-pressure system could bring another round of rain and even the potential for a few stronger storms by Tuesday or Wednesday. This system will also usher in another surge of warmer air, with highs likely reaching back into the 60s by midweek. We’ll keep a close eye on this setup in the coming days.

ABC 36 Storm Team 3-Day Forecast

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Lows in the mid-40s.
Thursday: Breezy with a few showers. Highs in the low to mid-50s. 
Thursday Night: A few clouds and cooler. Lows in the upper 40s.

Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for the latest updates!